<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<CIK> 0000778438
<NAME> BERRY PETROLEUM COMPANY
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-2000
<CASH> 1,689
<SECURITIES> 600
<RECEIVABLES> 23,320
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<PP&E> 299,342
<DEPRECIATION> 101,981
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<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 23,973
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 220
<OTHER-SE> 136,946
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 227,056
<SALES> 85,235
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 85,574
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 39,414
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 6,003
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 2,575
<INCOME-PRETAX> 37,582
<INCOME-TAX> 10,251
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 27,331
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<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
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<NET-INCOME> 27,331
<EPS-BASIC> 1.24
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.23
</TABLE>